The President’s Performers

By Haslina Hassan

Chloe Chua performing at the Istana's 150th Anniversary celebrations

Across two weekends, the SSO had the opportunity of performing two special concerts for the President, both at the Istana and Victoria Concert Hall, Home of the SSO — with local compositions and young Singaporean musicians.

SSO ISTANA 150 COMMEMORATIVE EVENT

On 6 October, the SSO performed on the Istana grounds as part of the Istana’s 150th Anniversary celebrations. The 45-minute concert included performances by Singaporean musicians Kevin Loh and Chloe Chua.

The celebrations were sponsored by DBS Bank and proceeds were donated to charities supported by the President’s Challenge.

PRESIDENT’S YOUNG PERFORMERS CONCERT 2019

On 27 September, President of Singapore Madam Halimah Yacob graced the SSO President’s Young Performers (PYP) Concert at the Victoria Concert Hall. The annual concert, established to showcase young talented local musicians and give them a chance to share the stage with our national orchestra.

President's Young Performer Kevin Loh with President Halimah Yacob. The President’s Young Performers Concert began in 2001 and has grown into a major platform to showcase Singapore’s young and promising musical talents, many of whom have gone on to pursue successful careers in music, both locally and overseas.

Youths from Beyond Awesome were invited to the concert as guests. Complimentary and subsidised tickets are a way for the SSO to spread the love for music and reach out to diverse communities.

Students from Bukit Panjang Primary School (pictured here with President Halimah) also attended the concert with complimentary tickets from the SSO. These are made possible through the generous support of donors like Swire, Santa Lucia and Keppel Corporation.

The students were thrilled to meet President Halimah at the concert. They got to chat with President Halimah and Kevin Loh.

To read a review of the President’s Young Performers Concert, click here

If you are a musician raring to take the stage with the SSO, we have news for you!

The Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) will be conducting open auditions for its “President’s Young Performers” concert. Successful candidates get to perform as soloist in a concerto with the SSO at the Victoria Concert Hall in 2020 (date to be announced).

Applicants are invited to send in their application by 31 December 2019.